Den Gamle By in Aarhus, Denmark at Christmas

If you are hoping to find a way to experience a Danish Christmas throughout different time periods, you should know that the best way to do this would be to spend a day at Den Gamle By, open-air museum in Aarhus, Denmark.

When many people hope to get their fill of Denmark by spending all their time in Copenhagen, they miss the old-fashioned charm of what the rest of Denmark, specifically Jylland, has to offer.

Do you love learning about Danish history? Read more about the Historical town of Ribe Denmark!

From the time you enter Den Gamle By to the time you leave, guests feel that they are truly a part of history because of the authentic buildings, carefully selected personal items in the shops and homes, and the many volunteers who walk around in period costumes interacting with guests as if they are actually the people they hope to portray. 

This is a sponsored post. Many thanks to Den Gamble By for hosting me and my family for a day at your fantastic museum. We had a great time! However, all the thoughts and opinions in this post are mine alone!

Come with me as we step inside Hans Christian Andersen’s Denmark and walk through the years to a Danish Christmas of the 1970s!

What to see at Den Gamle By at Christmas

As you first enter the museum grounds, you are immediately transported to the 1800s, which was the time of one of Denmark’s most famous writers, Hans Christian Andersen. The charming cobblestone streets added with the people dressed in long black cloaks and head coverings give you the feeling that you are leaving the modern world behind. You smell the delicious aroma of roasted almonds from the vendor on the street as you approach the first building. Here, a red lantern has a number that is clearly visible to show the year in which you will enter as you walk inside the home.

Eilschou Almshouses

This is the area called the Eilschou Almshouses, where the vicar’s widow has decorated her modest home for Christmas. The small tree sits on top of a vanity in a flower pot, and it is covered in paper flowers. A long, paper ladder extents from the top of the tree and continues past the bottom of the pot. Small angels can be seen climbing up representing the journey from earth to Heaven along Jacob’s ladder. This little addition to the tree is something I have never seen before in Denmark or anywhere else. It is great to learn about not only the history of Denmark on this trip to Den Gamle By, but also to learn about the history of a Danish Christmas. 

The widow can be found in the kitchen spreading lard on top of bread. She willingly tells you about her life and about the food she makes in her kitchen if you ask. My boys didn’t know what to think of it all and stared in wonder as their father had a conversation with the woman from the past.

Learn all about the fun ways to Countdown to a Danish Christmas HERE!

The Little Match Girl, a Danish Christmas Story

This was one example of a good Christmas scene from the 1800s, but in the next building, we were able to see the hard truth of what could have been the background to one of Denmark’s favorite Christmas stories, The Little Match Girl, who had a hard life due to being neglected by an alcoholic father. I always find it so very interesting how Denmark never seems to cover up the bad in the past. I loved that we were learning more about the history of people because it felt much more important when you could feel something for those represented there. A stronger connection, in my opinion, can lead to a deeper experience, a fact of which I felt that Den Gamle By targeted quite well.

Though there are areas of sad points in history, there are also many areas for fun. Not only do they have options for play and markets for Christmas items, there are also many Danish “nisse” (pixies or elves) spread out throughout the museum that can offer some fun for guests. 

Tradesmen’s Street

If you ever wonder what it was like to work as a tradesman during the 1800s, you can see for yourself many examples of different trades from the Tradesmen’s Street at Den Gamle By in Aarhus, Denmark. Here, you can find a cobbler mending shoes.

One of the nice additions to the area for the tradesmen’s section was not only seeing the tailor’s workshop, but also his home. My boys mentioned how weird it would have been to take a bath in a tub such as the one in the tailor’s house. I thought it was neat to see that there was a plate of æbleskiver, Danish pancake balls, on the kitchen counter.

Do you want to learn how to make Danish Christmas cookies? Check out this recipe for Danish Pebernødder!

It is pretty common to see these delicious, Christmas treats on the counters of any Danish kitchen during the present time period, and the idea that it was just as much a part of Christmas then as it is now made me feel that I was living a part of Danish history. I was also getting hungry for æbleskiver, so I was hoping that we would find some on our trip!

Danish Flags on the Christmas Tree

Before we left the tailor’s home, we took a look in his living room at his Christmas tree. The difference a few years had made with the size and decorations of this tree was very interesting to see. The use of decorative ornaments, tinsel, garland and candles on the tree showed how the Danes were getting more used to the Christmas tradition of decorating a tree, as they had learned earlier from the Germans. However, this was most definitely a Danish tree with all of the Danish flags used as added decorations. Using flags to decorate for special occasions has continued to be a very Danish tradition. It was great that Den Gamle By used them on this tree.

We also liked to see volunteers showing off their skills in the different buildings on the Tradesmen’s Street. There was a family of seamstresses who discussed how they would spend their holidays while they sewed different garments, and we also quite enjoyed watching the wood carver as he made cookie cutters for Christmas. 

Walking along the uneven stones of the cobblestone streets is quite a unique feeling, but the added sound of horse hooves and the sudden sight of a horse-drawn carriage really send a person’s mind back in time. 

The Town Square and Tasty Sweets

Walking through the 1800s, you’ll cross the brick Nørrebro or the Nørre Bridge onto Algade, which is the stone street that leads to the town square. The half-timbered buildings of various colors lead the way to more Christmas decor and treasures.

It is on this street that we passed the bakery that had lots of delicious-looking treats inside. It would be hard for anyone to pass by this window and continue to walk on by without trying any of the old-fashioned treats.

Would you like the recipe for a Danish Strawberry Cake? Look here for both Danish and English recipes.

Since I am married to a Dane, we left the decision of what to get to the one with the most experience. This is the magical story of the boys’ and my first time tasting a honey heart, or what the Danes call honigkage. We all have to agree that it was a good choice! 

Æbleskiver, Danish Christmas desserts

The image of a very large, Christmas tree appears as you reach the town square and toward the end of the area that spans from the 1600s to the year 1900. A small, Christmas market can be seen with the many tents selling foods, treats and warm drinks. The wonderful people at

Den Gamle By offered my family the chance to try delicious æbleskiver made in the traditional style of the 1800s, and we were more than willing to give them try. All of us except for my youngest son already liked the modern-day version of these beloved Christmas treats, but when it comes to sweets of any kind, even our small, family critic was willing to give Den Gamle By´s æbleskiver a try. 

These were also some of the largest æbleskiver I had ever seen, but just as we would find at any Christmas celebration in our little Danish town in the present time, we enjoyed them with powdered sugar and jam. When I say ´´we´´, I am also including our youngest son, who happened to find the æbleskiver at Den Gamle By to be quite delicious. 

They also had a different type of æbleskiver in which they took apple slices and dipped them in batter. It was very interesting to see them make these, but after the other æbleskiver, we had no room to try anything else!

The History of Christmas / Julens Historie

As we sat at a table under a tent in the rain eating our æbleskiver, we felt a sense of intrigue as we looked on to a very beautiful building that had a sign saying “Julens Historie” or “The History of Christmas” at the front. The red brick building with black wooden beams criss-crossed in various places was originally the Mayor of Aarhus’ home since the year 1597 and was our next stop. We were ready to get out of the rain, but we were even more ready to see more Christmas decorations. 

It was apparent with every Christmas tree and “julenisse” (Christmas gnome) that we saw that we were there to learn about Christmas in Denmark just as much as we hoped to learn about Denmark itself.

One thing to mention about this house is that since it has been around for so long, the museum really made use of it by showing different examples of what life was like from 1600 to the 1850s. We spent more time in this house than any other! Not only did we find all the different rooms quite fascinating, but I also loved that they had more than one Christmas tree!

Different Christmas Trees in Danish History

The first Christmas tree that we found was from 1809, and it was much like the one we saw just as we entered the museum. The small size gave the impression that trees weren’t very large when they were introduced to Denmark in the early 1800s, but the one found in the mayor’s house was decorated in a slightly different way, perhaps showing the difference in the household income.

It had candles on it as well as a paper star at the top. There was no Jacob’s ladder, and instead of paper flowers adorning the tree, there were ornaments of both silver and gold. It also was propped on the top of a table making it easier to see and very much a focal point of the room.

Another tree was not too far from the first, but this one was from 1848 and showed a different aspect of Christmas in Denmark. The size of this tree was much larger, and the Jacob’s ladder was back. I loved that the presents were unwrapped under the tree, and it appeared that there were some lucky children living during that year in this house.

Sitting atop the tree was a golden star, much like what you would see on many trees in Denmark and other countries throughout the years. It was festive with the various ornaments and objects that were hung from the tree. Both trees were very festive and charming in their own way.

Old-fashioned band at Den Gamle By

As we walked out onto the patio, we could hear the beautiful sounds of horns playing below. They were playing a Danish Christmas song which was one of my favorites called “En rose så jeg skyde”. The players were dressed all in black, period costumes and seemed to pick the perfect spot on the grounds that gave them some relief from the rain.

Learn the song that is often sung around the

!

The homes of the Nisse, Christmas Gnomes

It is so hard to translate the word “nisse” into English. There doesn’t seem to be a creature in other parts of the world that accurately represents these magical creatures of Scandinavia. To many Americans, a “nisse” would simply be called an elf. However, you would receive a lot of resistance from the Danes if you called them that. Just using the word “nisse” will do. 

On the other side of the main square from the Mayor’s house, we saw a building that had a sign on it that said “Nisseloftet”. This was the home of the nisse who lived at Den Gamle By for Christmas.  We had no idea what to expect in such a place or if the nisse would be kind, but we just knew that we had to find out!

Nisseloftet

As we walked inside the door, there was a staircase that lead up to the “loft” where the nisse lived. My boys had already ran up and vanished. Had they been captured by the nisse?

When we reached the top of the stairs, we came face to face with many of the nisse. They didn’t look too mischievous. Some of them were playing or just relaxing. Their little home was very sweet, and it appeared as any loft would…a normal attic where people stored their belonging. That was until I noticed where one of my son’s had gone.

The real magic of the Nisseloftet was yet to be found. As we walked along what looked like the roof of a house, we quickly found what life was like for the Nisse. These tiny people saw our world as being a large playground.

Visiting the nisse was a great way for the boys to get a break from all the stair climbing and history watching. They quite enjoyed pretending to be nisse.

A Real Nisse Sighting

Before we left the early part of Danish history behind, we were surprised to find a nisse leaning out the window of the Mintmaster’s Mansion. She had a basket at the end of a rope and looked to be fishing for children. Instead of catching them, she let them take a cookie from her basket. That sounded like a “sweet” deal to my boys!

Toys Both Big and Small in the Early 1900s

It was now time for us to move on in time and also in the museum. We were now entering the section of Den Gamle By that was designated for 1900-1927. Here we found a fascinating toy museum that showed what children would have received as Christmas presents long ago. My boys were more than interested in the iron, military set and looked at it fondly as if they were boys from a hundred years earlier.

Not far from the toy museum was an old-time Ford dealership. I particularly loved the way they decorated the cars to make them look like they were covered in snow. It was a nice touch!

Are you interested in Buying a Car in Denmark? Read this post to learn what you need to know first!

Christmas in Denmark during the 1970s

When moving from the old-fashioned times to the more modern times at Den Gamle By, you get a completely different feeling. The streets are paved, the buildings are brighter with more color, and the comforts of changing technology are ever present. This area of the museum showcases mostly the year 1974, and the way that they decorate for Christmas oddly doesn’t seem so different from that of years past.

The first decorations that you will see immediately are the garlands that are hung above the town street. The look and feel of them resemble that of most Danish towns, which goes to show that there are some things that can stand the test of time. This, of course, was with the addition of the band, that played “The Jingle Bell Rock” though dressed in period costumes. 

Walking Back in Time to the 1970s Denmark

I really enjoyed this section of the museum. There were many familiar places that you would expect to find in Denmark today. However, the objects inside the businesses and homes were obviously of an earlier time. Stepping back in time to visit an electronics store or a bakery/cafe is something you aren’t able to do in many other places than Den Gamle By. For me, it was like walking in the footsteps of my Danish in-laws. For a moment, I enjoyed the feeling of being a mother during the time when my own mother was getting ready to experience the wonders of parenthood.

As you walk along this modern street, you can find many apartment buildings with apartments of real people who lived in Denmark during the 1970s. Be a guest in their homes and see how they celebrate Christmas. Here are a few of the homes you will find in Den Gamle By, and there are many more to explore.

Older Woman Living Alone

The unwed, headmistress of a school, Miss Sneum, has a vary lavish apartment. There was a modest tree with real candles, tinsel and a small, paper star on the top. Her home doesn’t show as much Christmas “hygge” as many of the others, but that could represent the type of life she lived during the 1970s.

Though some areas were only for looking, we loved that there were many ways that you could interact with the displays. While I admired the Christmas cut-out decorations on the walls of the kitchen, my son had fun going through the refrigerator. There is something for everyone at Den Gamle By!

Single Mother with a Son

Another apartment that shows a bit more Christmas cheer would be that of the single mother and son. Here, there is a festive Christmas plant with a countdown candle. The tree has electric candles, tinsel, danish flags and other ornaments/decorations.

It is a mid-sized tree which is perfect for a one-bedroom apartment of this small family. The tree skirt is also one that you may still find under the trees of older Danes living in Denmark at the present time. I even think my mother-in-law has one very similar.

Retired Couple

The apartment of the retired couple is quite charming. Not only is it filled with furniture that can be found in the homes of many older Danes today, but I also have a few of the same pieces in my own home. Traditional Danish styles seem to be timeless and are still appreciated. 

Take a look inside a wealthy Danish family’s manor home with this post on Gammel Estrup Manor Home near Aarhus, Denmark!

You can see many “kravlenisser” (cut-out nisse that are commonly put on walls or in picture frames), as well as a Christmas tablecloth on a table that has a beautiful “julekrans” (Christmas wreath) with the four candles of advent! 

The decorations in this apartment compared to many of the others are some of the best. This couple really shows off their love of the holiday with many Christmas nisse all over the living room. Visitors can feel an overwhelming sense of “hygge” (coziness) when walking through this apartment almost to the point that you were there to visit family. 

To get more of a glimpse of the rest at Den Gamle By at Christmas, check out my YouTube channel for an upcoming video at My New Danish Life on YouTube.

Overall Impressions of Den Gamle By in Aarhus, Denmark at Christmas

We loved our time at Den Gamle By from the very first glimpse of the olden streets and cobblestone paths to the flair of a 1970s Christmas. It is very easy to spend an entire day there, and there is plenty more to experience than what you see here.

I just share some of the highlights of our day. If you are traveling in Denmark in December and want to get a better understanding of what Christmas (is and) was like in Denmark throughout the years, this is the place to get a hands-on experience of all the very best of Christmas Past in Denmark.

Again, my family and I would like to say a special “tak skal du have” (thanks) to the gracious people at Den Gamle By for sponsoring our trip and for the delicious æbleskiver. This was truly a day to remember and will be forever one of our favorite Christmas memories in Denmark.

Den Gamle By is also open throughout the year to show you what life was like during Danish history. Though the Christmas decorations can only be seen during the holiday season, there still are many wonderful things to see and experience. Be sure to check out their website when planning your trip to Aarhus, Denmark!

Getting In Touch With Den Gamle By Museum in Aarhus, Denmark

If you would like to get in touch with Den Gamle By, here is their information.

Website: https://www.dengamleby.dk/

Address: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Telephone: +45 86 12 31 88

Email: reception@dengamleby.dk

Getting to Den Gamle By and other Practical Information

Click here for practical information for Den Gamle By in Aarhus, Denmark (parking, map of grounds, etc.)

Click here for directions to Den Gamle By in Aarhus, Denmark

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How do you celebrate Christmas? Tell me all about it in the comments! 🙂

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